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[rowsigh]

Chapter Two Point Oh

I’m in a different place in my life right now. I no longer need others’ false sense of approval in the form of reblogs and likes. I don’t need to not feel alone anymore. I’ve embraced my loneliness, and writing stuff down on the Internet when no one’s reading is not helping me make friends anyway. So why am I writing this now? I’m writing it for me. For my future self who feels better, confident, more comfortable with herself, and who needs a reminder of where she’s coming from. 

This adventure started with my brother going away, but now we’re in the same country again, albeit the 500 km that separate us. I’ve grown accustomed to not having him around all the time. I’ve grown accustomed to just being with myself. Since his adventure finished, I decided mine should take a new direction. 

This blog used to be all over the place. It was a very accurate projection of my mind and my thoughts. I tried to settle things down with a monthly series, but realized it was just binding me and I was no longer enjoy myself. Sure, I still love music and movies and such, and sure, I will always have some discoveries that I might want to share. But I hold no chains anymore. I’m throwing away the timeline, throwing away the deadlines, and I’m just enjoying the time I have. 

This will no longer be a hideout for me. I don’t want to be ashamed and embarrassed of what I post and of who I am. This will just be a journal - a very public and accessible one - that hopefully will document my journey through my few upcoming confusing years of life. 

I’m on the path of finally doing what I’ve always wanted to do. I’m officially starting my first year of med school, and if everything goes to plan, I should be proudly boasting my MD diploma in four years. But throughout that whole craziness, through the diseases and the stress, through the internships and the temporary desires to quit, I want to be able to breathe. I want to be able to take the time to reflect on all of it. Maybe I want to be relatable, and I want to relate to others too. I want to finish my MD with my head still on my shoulders, my mind still inside my head and not lost somewhere between nerves and viruses, and dreams, although not all medical, inside my mind that will push me where I need to be. And to achieve that, I’m helping myself with this. This page I’m currently on, this keyboard beneath my digits, and these fresh thoughts. I want to turn this new page. I’ve packed my bags, got rid of the dead weight, and after all this time, I think I’m finally ready for this. 

[rowsigh]

I made something. 

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The Culture Corner: June 2015

1. Music: Willamette Stone

Williamette Stone is only a fictional band from If I Stay (2014), but their music is so real. Jamie Blackley, who plays Adam in the film, is their lead singer, and I have to admit that if he was part of an actual band, I’d be one of the firsts to swoon over him. Their music definitely has a punk-rock sound, but it could also appeal to pop-listening crowds. 

The fictional band, which is called Shooting Star in the novel, who recorded new original songs for the soundtrack, has an amazing following in the film, but I’m pretty sure they would be pretty successful if they were to transition in real life. I’ve been loving “I Want What You Have,” “Never Coming Down” and their cover of “Today” (with cello and mandoline). It’s just a shame that they only have such few songs to offer. 

On a slight tangent, the whole If I Stay soundtrack is brilliant (as well as the movie, but the music definitely deserved a feature), with songs from The Orwells, Ben Howard, Beck and Tom Odell. The timing of the latter’s song with the movie was perfect. I wasn’t expecting it to play and, being one of my favourites from him, it hit me hard and gave me all the feels possible.

Check out the If I Stay original soundtrack (deluxe edition) on iTunes 

2. Movie: About Time

I thought About Time was going to be another time-travelling love story like The Time Traveler’s Wife (nothing against that book/movie, but I might have a thing for Rachel McAdams, because let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), but I was so wrong. While The Time Traveler’s Wife was a pure love story, About Time was also about family and life, and touched me a bit more. 

The movie tells the story of Tim (Is the fact that ‘Tim’ and ‘time’ are alike just a coincidence...?) who, on his 21st birthday, learns that the men in his family can travel through time. Whereas he could use this special feat to accomplish excellence, he decides to act on one simple thing: getting a girlfriend. He meets Mary, with whom he falls in love, and they both live what seems like an ordinary life. However, his life being far from normal, Tim learns that not everything can be saved, and second chances are not always possible. 

Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams are both amazing in the film. I’ve personally just known Gleeson for his portrayal of Bill Weasley in the Harry Potter franchise, but McAdams has always been a great rom-com lead (looking at you, The Notebook, The Time Traveler’s Wife and The Vow). The movie is charming, funny, touching, and nothing less than what I’d expect a perfect rom-com to be. I guess that coming from the guy who also directed and wrote Love Actually, it was obvious. 

This movie deserves more views and recognition than what it got. It might not be a rom-com phenomenon, but it’s so nice. Every day could be our last, and as cliché as it may sound, it is true. We unfortunately don’t have rewind button yet (scientists, when will you find that time travelling gene?!), so we can do nothing but grasp and enjoy every single detail that life throws at us. It’s the small moments that add up to make a perfect day. When I think back on events, it’s not always the bigger picture that strikes me. Sometimes, it’s a look, a smile, or a song I heard on the way that I’ll always remember. But without truly paying attention to the little details in life, we often miss out on so many things. So I’m telling you, as I’m telling myself, to go out in the world with absolutely no fear that tomorrow will be your last day, because you would’ve lived your life to the fullest (ugh this sounds so incredibly cheesy), and you’ve “owned every second that this world could give” (thanks, One Republic). 

[rowsigh]

I’m so bored that I’m kinda/sorta/ish willing to read something’s terms and conditions just to see if they’re not trolling us because everyone’s clearly aware that nobody reads them. 

[rowsigh]

The Culture Corner: May 2015

1. Musical: The Phantom of the Opera

I got the chance to spend a day in New York this month, and while it wasn’t a long trip, we did have a great time. We saw a matinee show of Phantom with James Barbour, Julia Udine and Jeremy Hays, and it was fantastic. The music and the actors were incredible, as was the staging. The lighting and special effects were amazing; even if they are relatively simple, it was so much better to see them in real life than on screen. 

The whole experience is definitely not something I can make justice with my only words, but I’m hoping you all get the chance to live it at least once in your life. 

2. Movie: The DUFF

I’ve kinda always wanted to watch The DUFF when I first saw the trailer. Because I think I’m my friends’ DUFF. And because I’ve got this tiny guilty pleasure of watching cheesy, funny, lighthearted movies, and The DUFF is exactly that. It’s cheesy, that’s undeniable. But it’s also charming, funny, and it’s just an overall really nice movie. 

The film follows Bianca (Whitman), a high school senior who finds out she’s her friends’ DUFF (designated ugly fat friend). She then goes on a journey, with the help of Wesley (Amell), her neighbour, friend (ish), and school jock, to discover her true self, what it implies to be a DUFF and how to not be anyone’s DUFF. The movie is filled with cute moments, some more dramatic, and others worthy of falling off your chair (okay no, not really). But even in such a comedy, there are some important lessons to learn.  

We all are somebody’s DUFF. But that’s okay, because everyone is someone else’s DUFF, including the one you are the DUFF to. As long as you don’t treat yourself as your own DUFF, as long as you don’t see yourself lesser than what you actually are, as long as you discover who you truly are and are comfortable with yourself, there’s nothing wrong with being called whatever names anyone may throw at you. If you know who you are and you know other people are just completely extraneous, then I guess you’re one step closer to happiness. 

3. Movie: Love, Rosie

I was a bit skeptical about Love, Rosie when I saw the trailer. I mean, sure, it seemed like a cute rom-com but I seriously didn’t think much else of it. But in reality, that film ripped my heart apart and then mended it back only to rip it again. Without giving away too much, let’s just say it took me on a real emotional roller-coaster ride. 

The movie explores the life-long friendship between Alex (Claflin) and Rosie (Collins), who have been best friends since they were five. The story spans over a little more than a decade, showing the ups and downs that life brings them. It’s a story about friendship, love, dreams, home, and surprises. 

Lily Collins and Sam Claflin’s chemistry is undeniable (and damn, they’re both beautiful people), and the plot is full of subtle charming and funny moments. Whereas I did find it slightly similar to One Day, and it’s still a romantic comedy-drama that will not change the whole film industry, I think it is a fantastic movie ��� especially when you’re alone at home, eating ice cream and realizing how freaking single you are (I’m so single it’s insane). 

[rowsigh]

We all deserve our best chance

I’m so damn proud of and happy for Ingrid Nilsen. She’s seems like such an amazing person and really deserves the best, as do all of you who are scared of giving yourself a chance. 

It’s unfortunate people still have to “come out”. Why don’t straight people have to come out? Why do LGBT people have to try to explain and justify themselves? Can’t we just accept people the way they already are? 

It’s a good time to be alive. But things could be so much better. 

[rowsigh]

Who Is Chelsea?  New York City

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The Culture Corner: April 2015

Flash Faves:

I don’t know about you, but I tend to procrastinate the most when I know I have stuff to do. And by stuff I mean studying for upcoming finals. So I found myself watching so many crappy quality cheesy movies on Youtube. They weren’t all good, but a few were enjoyable. 

10 Years

“10 Years” features a star-studded cast portraying a group of friends reuniting ten years after their graduation. The film was light-hearted and overall pretty entertaining, but as always with such ensemble casts, we always have our favorite stories that we wish we could’ve explored more. 

Leap Year

Amy Adams plays Anna, an ambitious woman who decides to propose to her boyfriend when she gets sick of waiting for his move. She plans on finding him in Dublin, where on February 29th, according to tradition, he has to accept his proposal. However, life takes a different turn when she winds up kilometers away from destination. With the help of Declan (Matthew Goode), will she find her way back to true love?

I’ve wanted to watch this movie when it first came out a few years ago (I was a fifteen-year-old hopeless romantic, mind you), and although it was quite cheesy and cliché, and the actors don’t share the best of chemistries, it was entertaining. And Matthew Goode is always a bonus. 

[rowsigh]

The Cage Door Has Been Opened

From legs that have ran an seemingly endless marathon, I’ve grown wings and the bird has flown. I feel like this could have been the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and now I’ve made it through. 

It was insanity. But now I am free. 

[rowsigh]

Phoenix

I’m burnt out. Not literally. I’m nowhere near fire right now. 

But I’m burnt out. Not even clinically. I have never been diagnosed, and I don’t necessarily plan to. 

I’m just burnt out. Mentally. Socially. Physically. I’ve been stuck in place for the last few days, trying to stuff this organ I’m nesting in my skull. And today, I’ve hit a wall. I’ve been staring at notes, staring at the table, staring at walls. But nothing’s processing. I’ve disconnected - Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, neurones. I don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to do things I used to do. 

I’m burnt out. And I’m just hoping I can rise up from the ashes, and build myself better, sit straighter, work harder, with more strength and willpower. 

[rowsigh]

The Culture Corner: March 2015

1. Music: Hozier concert

I realize I should've written this immediately after the show, because now I don't remember as much... But I'll try my best to actually convey how amazing the concert was.

That night was the first time I'd be going to a concert on my own, so obviously, I was a tiny bit nervous. But as soon as I was standing on the balcony, with a nice view on the stage, I forgot why I was even nervous to start with.

The show started with George Ezra walking on stage with a customized Habs jersey and a Tim Horton's cup. He really does know how to excite a crowd, cause it got crazy, and he hadn't even said a word yet. He had a short, but nonetheless amazing gig. He performed a few songs from his album, Wanted on Voyage and explained the meaning behind many of them. As a newish fan of him, it was definitely nice to know where some of the songs come from. Plus, the way he performs is absolutely endearing: he leans back a bit and sways to the music, all the while playing guitar and singing beautifully. It was definitely amazing, and I'm really glad I was able to know his music before the show so I could sing along.

When Hozier finally came on stage, the crowd obviously went wild. I love my city's concert crowds, we're always super loud, and musicians always seem to tell us. I'm not even sure if it's actually the case or if they say that to every crowd, but either way, it makes for an incredible atmosphere. Hozier's songs were awesome, but that was totally expected. He's probably even better live than in studio. Hozier was just adorable and his smile probably made me melt a thousand times (fortunately I had a bar to lean on). He's crazy talented, and it was definitely a blast to see him perform on stage. One moment that was especially great was when there were phones/lighters in the air during Cherry Wine. Picture the dark room, an amazing calm song sung by a marvelous rich voice on an acoustic guitar, and hundreds of glistening swaying lights. It was just simply beautiful. He later posted a video of the moment on Facebook, and I could honestly barely take it. The backup band was also fantastic as always. The set was magnificient, and I really wish I had my camera to take decent pictures, but all I had was my phone to take sucky-ish Instagram-worthy pictures. Either way, I am very glad I was able to be there, and the night will be forever in my mind.

Overall, it was a phenomenal night. Both artists were more than perfect in their performance and presence. Unfortunately, there was this obnoxious loud girl next to me who would name the songs as he started them, and I was just like "okay, I got it, you know the song. You're not the only one." But George Ezra and Hozier made me forget her, so all is well. All is well.

2. Music: Chaos And The Calm - James Bay

I've written about James Bay before, but now that his debut album is out, I can praise him even more. His new album, Chaos And The Calm was released at the end of the month, and includes 12 tracks. Some of them had been in older EPs, some of them I had never heard before, and all of them are absolutely amazing. It's hard to choose any favourites because they all are fantastic, but one new song that I particularly adore is "Incomplete," which finishes the album perfectly. I've been spending the last few weeks listening to it on repeat, and it's honestly nothing but flawless. It's a perfect balance of more up-beat songs like "Best Fake Smile" and "Collide" and slower ballads, such as "Scars" and "Incomplete."

James Bay is also going on a headline tour in North America this spring, so don't miss him if you can (sadly, I won't be able to go, because, you know, finals).

If you need a new album to listen to, get Chaos And The Calm immediately. I'm lacking the words to tell you how much I love it, but hopefully my speechlessness might convince you to at least give it a listen.

Get Chaos And The Calm on iTunes

[rowsigh]

YES. YES THERE IS. FOR FUCK’S SAKE WHAT JUST HAPPENED. WHAT. IS. THIS. I’M SHAKING. WHY AM I SHAKING?!?

Um… is there anything more epic than this episode of The 100?!

No? 

Good. 

Kbye. 

[rowsigh]

That moment when you see photos of people vacationing all over your Facebook feed, and you haven't even breathed fresh air for two days because you're stuck studying. 

Spring break, my ass. 

[rowsigh]

The Culture Corner: February 2015

1. Music: Sail Away - Meadowlark

Meadowlark, a two-member band composed of Kate McGill and Daniel Broadley, released their first EP, Three Six Five, in April 2014, and have their sophomore EP, Dual, scheduled for March 30th. I've known about their existence for a while, since have been a fan of Kate McGill for a long time, but I had never really checked their music until recently (I know, I'm a bad fan). 

While all their songs are great, I've been especially obsessed with "Sail Away." The melody is sweet, the lyrics are beautifully bittersweet, Kate McGill's voice is stunning as usual, and all of them together just make for a perfect combination. The bridge, where she repeats 'You were my home, you were my home, you were my whole world', is particularly striking, and builds up really nicely.

Give the song a good listen, and check out both of their EPs! 

Listen to "Sail Away" 

Meadowlark's SoundCloud Meadowlark's Facebook Meadowlark's Tumblr

2. Music: Wanted on Voyage - George Ezra

I had been loving "Budapest" for a long time before I decided to get George Ezra's album, Wanted on Voyage, near the end of the month. Ezra has a unique, deep and rich voice, and his sound is what I would define as kinda bluesy, kinda singer-songwriter, kinda alternative. I especially love "Blame It On Me," "Budapest," "Leaving It Up to You" and "Over the Creek," but I'm sure I'll end up loving a lot more as I keep listening to the album, and after I see him in concert (!!!). 

Getting Wanted on Voyage this month was the perfect timing since I discovered, after looking for ages, that he is opening for Hozier's tour, which I'll be attending next week (!!!!!), and I couldn't be more excited for it. I've had enough time to get to know his songs and I'm now pumped up to see him perform! 

George Ezra is an incredibly talented young up-and-coming act, who should be discovered by many more people. While he already has a fair amount of recognition in the UK, where he was notably nominated for many BRIT awards, I'm very excited to see what's coming for him in America, and hope he'll get the break out he deserves. 

George Ezra's Facebook George Ezra on iTunes

[rowsigh]

Ha. Fifth ankle sprain, by missing the last step of a stairwell and falling face down. I'm such a failure. 

[rowsigh]

I just learned (don't know how I didn't find out sooner), after searching for days, that George Ezra is opening for Hozier next week, and I'm kinda freaking out now. 

I almost don't feel bad for not having anyone to go with. 

[rowsigh]

Um... is there anything more epic than this episode of The 100?!

No? 

Good. 

Kbye.